yourstrulytina Here is the truth about periods: they straight-up suck! The pain, anxiety, and depression they cause are sometimes overwhelming. Plus, they can come at super inconvenient times, like if you had planned a special night out with your partner or are soon heading on a tropical vacation. But, hey! I guess it’s just something we have to deal with time and time again.
However, what if I told you that many women deal with period symptoms so extreme it’s almost impossible to complete daily activities? Let me tell you about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and my experience with this disorder.
Table of Contexts
- What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
- Common PMDD Symptoms
- How to Get a Diagnosis
- PMDD Treatments
What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
Some of you may be aware of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which many women experience before every period. PMDD is similar to PMS but causes more extreme physical and emotional symptoms. It is estimated that 4 million American women have this disorder.
According to Healthline, “Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) refers to a group of emotional and physical symptoms that starts a week or two before your period. PMDD is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but its symptoms, especially the emotional ones, are more severe.”
For a few months now, I have experienced changes in my pre-period symptoms, and they feel insufferable. For me, they contain more of an emotional response, but it differs for everyone. Out of nowhere, I will start feeling thoughts of hopelessness and anxiety that cannot be explained. At first, these emotions were questionable. But, when they began to start at the same time as the tenderness in my breast and pelvic area, I knew these feelings had to be period-related.
When you notice an adverse change in your body, it’s time to visit a specialist. That’s what I did.
Common PMDD Symptoms
PMDD symptoms differ for each woman; it depends on the person affected. As mentioned above, the symptoms likely start a week or two before menstruation and cause one to feel unmotivated to complete daily activities. For some, the physical and emotional effects of the disorder can cause suicidal thoughts, which is why if you have any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with a specialist ASAP.
Mental Symptoms
- Heightened anxiety
- Depression
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Panic attacks
- Extreme mood swings
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
Physical Symptoms
- Tenderness in the breasts
- Intense pelvic cramping
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Hot flashes
- Dizziness
- Acne
Visit the Johns Hopkins website for more information on these and other symptoms.
How to Get a Diagnosis
Often, PMDD is misdiagnosed as being a mood disorder, such as depression or anxiety, as it has similar effects. This is a problem because women will never honestly know what their bodies are signaling them.
While I was at my appointment, my gynecologist did not officially diagnose me. Instead, she gave me a chart from the Women’s Health Concerns Clinic—St. Josephs, Hamilton—to track the symptoms I’ve been experiencing for at least two months.
The well-organized chart includes a list of symptoms at the top. Each day, you rate each symptom with a grading skill: 0 for feeling nothing at all and a 3 for the most severe version. While using the chart, you will track your sleep, appetite, and physical symptoms.
If you prefer another way of tracking your symptoms, try writing in a journal. Recording your physical and mental state daily can help you realize changes in your body; if there are any adverse changes, it’s time to see a doctor.
PMDD Treatments
Once you are diagnosed with PMDD or think that you have experienced any of its symptoms, take the following advice on how to relieve your symptoms. Some include advice from a professional, and some include routines I did myself to alleviate pain :
- Birth control: professionals will most likely suggest going on the pill. Specifically, they often prescribe a combination pill, meaning it contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. By taking a pill a day, the hormones will not only ease the symptoms of premenstrual disorders but prevent pregnancy.
- Antidepressants: as mentioned earlier, PMDD can act like depression or anxiety; with that being said, some medications taken for those disorders can benefit women suffering from PMS or PMDD. According to the Harvard Health Publishing website, “Antidepressants that slow the reuptake of serotonin are effective for many women with PMDD. Usually, the first choice is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), or fluoxetine (Prozac).”
- Nutritional diet: A healthy diet balances hormones, supports gut health, and promotes a clear mind. According to The Soulful Sprout, sugar, highly processed foods, and caffeine should be avoided. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B6 should be included in your diet as they help naturally reduce some symptoms of PMDD.
- Exercise: You’ve heard it once before, but working out daily will improve your physical and mental health, whether related to PMDD or not. Most healthcare professionals suggest getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and it doesn’t have to be rigorous—it could just be a brisk walk.
- Stress management: When life becomes overwhelming, you need to take time for yourself and relax. As you can imagine, stress on the body worsens PMDD, which can lead to a panic attack, which I experienced. I suggest meditation, listening to calming music, taking a bath, or simply taking a nap to manage stress.
I am not a professional; this post is to inform you of what I’ve learned and experienced with having a premenstrual disorder. Contact a specialist immediately if you suffer from anything mentioned in the post.
If you experience a mental crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call the emergency number at 911.